Pre-game from San Antonio

San Antonio - Two members of this year’s Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame induction class were seated on opposite benches Tuesday night at the AT@T Center. Bucks coach Scott Skiles is from Plymouth, Ind., while Spurs coach Gregg Popovich hails from the Gary area.

“We’re both just part of the Hooiser mafia,” said Skiles.

Skiles did make one distinction, though, as far as why the two of them have been chosen for induction.

“I’m probably getting in on my high school and college career and he’s getting in for four (NBA) Finals,” said Skiles. “And I would switch with him if he wanted to. I’d definitely switch with him.”

Skiles and Popovich share a mutual admiration for each other. Popovich had some complimentary things to say about Skiles to San Antonio reporters earlier this week and Skiles returned the favor prior to Tuesday’s game.

“I have the utmost respect for respect for the way he’s conducted the franchise here,” said Skiles. “He’s obviously done it the right way and he’s got a lot of hardware to show for it.”

Also, forward Malik Allen was placed on the inactive list because of complications from the rib injury that kept him out of seven games earlier this season. “He’s still having some reactions to the rib injury,” said Skiles. “He has an issue in another part of his body but we think it’s related to not being 100% back from the rib deal.”

Guard Charlie Bell, who has been bothered by an ankle injury, was activated for the game.